Dear Future Mom: A World Down Syndrome Day Message About Love

A heartwarming message to a future mom from 15 people with Down syndrome.

The video begins with an email sent by a future mom:

"I am expecting a baby. I've discovered he has Down syndrome. I'm scared. What kind of life will my child have?"

What follows will melt your heart...

The video was made by Saatchi and Saatchi Italy for CoorDown, Italy's national association for people with Down's Syndrome, in advance of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. The message is lovingly made clear through the voices of 15 children and adults in the video: people with Down Syndrome are capable of living full, meaningful, and happy lives. Sure, it can get very difficult, but as someone in the video astutely points out, Isn't it like that for all mothers?

Since it was published to YouTube on March 13th, it has reached nearly 850,000 views.

World Down Syndrome Day began as an initiative of a coalition of Down Syndrome awareness groups, who chose the 21st day of the 3rd month, to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. It was first observed in many nations in 2006, and was officially observed by the United Nations in 2012. On this day events, themes, and activities are held around the world to "help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities."

The World Down Syndrome Day Conference has been held yearly since 2012, and Down Syndrome International also announces annual WDSD Awards on March 21st to individuals, groups or organisations whose "voluntary, professional or scientific activities have strengthened and enriched the lives of people with Down syndrome."